The Relationship Between Psychological Symptoms and Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2017 Dec;54(6):870-876.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 Aug 12.

Abstract

Context: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) improve quality of life in advanced heart failure patients, but there are little data exploring psychological symptoms in this population.

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disease over time in VAD patients.

Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study enrolled patients immediately before or after VAD implant and followed them up to 48 weeks. Depression and anxiety were assessed with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form 8a questionnaires. The panic disorder, acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM were used.

Results: Eighty-seven patients were enrolled. After implant, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively). Two patients met criteria for panic disorder early after implantation, but symptoms resolved over time. None met criteria for ASD or PTSD.

Conclusions: Our study suggests VADs do not cause serious psychological harms and may have a positive impact on depression and anxiety. Furthermore, VADs did not induce PTSD, panic disorder, or ASD in this cohort.

Keywords: Ventricular assist device; anxiety; depression.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures*
  • Depression*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic Disorder
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome